Pottery in Ukraine – history and modernity

Pottery in Ukraine has a long historical tradition. According to the textbook interpretation, pottery is a kind of decorative and applied art, which includes the production of pottery, souvenirs, decorations and tiles. But it is also important to know that pottery has created a completely new stage in the relationship between human and nature. And it continues today.

Pottery in Ukraine: how it was before

How long ago has pottery appeared in Ukraine as an art form?

We asked the head of the art studio «Lihtaryk» Svitlana Bazylevych about this:

«Pottery in Ukraine has been known since Mesolithic times (this is the period between 12 and 7 thousand years BC). However, the most preserved monuments of this art are from the time of Cucuteni–Trypillia (approximately between 5500 and 2750 BC).

Pottery became a separate craft with the invention of the potter’s wheel. The main products began to appear – utensils».

«The most developed production of pottery was in ancient Greece», – continues Svitlana. – «There, each product had its own name and was used exclusively for one purpose. For example, pithos are ancient Greek egg-shaped or spherical large storage container made from clay, usually with a wide neck. Due to its strength, durability and thermal insulation properties, pithos has become widespread throughout the Mediterranean and has long served various peoples for the storage and transportation of grain, wine, oil, salted fish and more. Another example is amphoras – ancient Greek pottery with a narrowed bottom, high and narrow neck and two handles».

How it is done now

The technology of making ceramic ware begins with the extraction of clay and the creation of pottery mass from it. Each potter kneads clay and makes a product on a pottery wheel. Professional masters spend a lot of time in the creative process of preparing sketches. When the master has decided with the shape of the product, he proceeds to carry out his plan on a pottery wheel.

Pottery in Ukraine – history and modernity

The potter either applies patterns and paints his product with engobes (paints of natural color based on liquid clay) or immediately after drying burns the product in the oven and paints it with glazes. After that, the product needs another firing. This process takes about 12 hours at temperatures up to 1000 degrees. Craftsmen often say that they open the oven after firing as a holiday gift, because it is always a surprise how the glaze will behave and whether all products will withstand the temperature or nothing will crack in the oven.

How to do it yourself

The logical question is: can anyone start sculpting from clay and how quickly can you learn it?

«Pottery is a very delicate business that requires a lot of physical effort, concentration, care in working with the material», says Svitlana, «because one sharp movement can destroy all work. Everyone can make a glass, cup, pot, vase or candlestick in one master class with the help of the masters of our studio. However, to work with clay on your own, you need to study a long period and purposefully».

Interestingly, there are children’s pottery wheels and kits for pottery that you can buy and use at home. But you need to understand that working with a clay is a rather dirty process, and the room in which you will be doing pottery, in a few such sessions can become quite dirty.

Ms. Svitlana advises:

«Before you start pottery at home, you should learn the basic secrets of mastery in specialized studios, pottery workshops, remember the principles of creating pottery items and then improve these skills by yourself. That is why we welcome you to the art studio «Lihtaryk» for our master classes».

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